Brook destroys Dan to retain IBF title

In his first world title defence, the 28-year-old Brook dropped Romania-born, Canada-based Dan four times before the challenger’s corner rescued him from more punishment after the fourth round.

Brook looked fully recovered from the leg injury he suffered when stabbed during a machete attack in Tenerife last September, gaining a one-sided victory in front of his hometown fans.

The unbeaten Brit, who was stabbed in his leg just weeks after he beat American Shawn Porter on points to lift the IBF title, landed a succession of straight rights in the opening round and by the second, Dan, 33, who had never previously been stopped in 36 professional fights, was in trouble.

Brook sent Dan to the canvas with a right uppercut and soon put him down for a second time from more right hands. Dan somehow survived until the bell to end round two.

Brook continued to control the fight with his accurate jab and Dan was in more trouble in the fourth round when the champion unloaded more hard shots that floored him for another count. He bravely rose, but came crashing down again after a left-right combination, just seconds before the bell. Dan's corner stopped the fight after the round saving the challenger from further punishment.

“It was truly amazing to walk out in front of all my fans,” said Brook after the bout. “I didn’t think I would ever box again but here I am filling arenas. I can’t put into words what it means to be back defending my World title."

With the win, Brook is now looking to move on to bigger and more lucrative fights in the 147 pound division.

Brook wants an all-British bout with rival Amir Khan next.

“You see little bits of greatness but there's much more to come from me and I will be back out in June in a massive fight," said Brook.

“Amir Khan, Juan Manuel Marquez, Brandon Rios – those are the sort of names I want. Bring them on. I want to entertain the fans and want them to tell me who they want to see me fight – I think the answer is Amir Khan, and if he’s watching – let’s do it, come and fight me."

Promoter Eddie Hearn wants Brook to fight Khan at Wembley in June.

“There is a little venue available on June 13 called Wembley Stadium," said Hearn. "If Amir Khan is watching give everyone what they want. It is the biggest payday available and it’s for a World title.”

After a second title defence in the summer, Brook will seek to face the winner of the megafight on May 2 between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.